At the 81st Academy Awards, India was proud to have two of its own receive the prestigious Oscar Award. Gulzar and AR Rahman were awarded the Oscar for Best Original Song for their song ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. This was a major milestone for Indian cinema and a moment of pride for the entire nation.
Gulzar is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist and film director who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema. AR Rahman is an Indian composer, singer and music producer who has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, four National Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South.
The 64th Academy Awards also saw the late Satyajit Ray being honoured with an honorary award for his exceptional skill in the field of filmmaking and his profound humanitarian vision that had an impact worldwide. Ray was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, music composer, and author who was considered one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. He was the first Indian to win an Academy Award in any competitive category.
The Oscar Awards have been a source of immense pride for India and its people. It is a testament to the immense talent and hard work of Indian artists and filmmakers who have made a mark on the international stage. The awards are a recognition of their efforts and a reminder of the potential of Indian cinema.